The bill amends Section 42-63.1-3 of the General Laws concerning the distribution of hotel tax proceeds. It removes the requirement that five percent (5%) of the hotel tax generated from the South County tourism district be paid to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. Instead, it allocates that five percent (5%) to the Rhode Island commerce corporation. The bill also modifies the distribution percentages for the hotel tax, increasing the allocation to the Rhode Island commerce corporation from twenty-eight percent (28%) to thirty-three percent (33%) and from seventy percent (70%) to seventy-five percent (75%) in various contexts.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that for returns and tax payments received on or after July 1, 2025, five percent (5%) of the hotel tax generated in the Aquidneck Island district statewide tourism district (which includes New Shoreham, South County, and Blackstone Valley) shall be given to the Rhode Island commerce corporation for tourism development, public art, and events throughout the participating regions. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6001: 42-63.1-3